Buccal Fat Removal

Cheekbones for Days
Buccal fat removal is the latest cosmetic surgery trend in facial rejuvenation. Buccal fat removal is a procedure that involves removing the fat pads located in the cheeks, also known as the buccal fat pads. This procedure is often done to enhance the cheekbones and provide a more youthful, modelesque appearance. You can forget about contouring your face with makeup, because buccal fat pad removal is a permanent solution to rid yourself of full cheeks, and a “baby face.” 

In Brookhaven, Georgia, Dr. Brian Arslanian has extensive experience and training in plastic surgery. He prioritizes the safety and well-being of his patients above all else. Dr. Arslanian is strongly committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and technologies in plastic surgery to offer his patients the most innovative and effective treatments. He uses only the highest-quality materials and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. If you are considering buccal fat removal, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon like Dr. Arslanian. Call his scheduling coordinator at (678) 894-9200 to book your consultation, or fill out this form and we will get back to your shortly. We look forward to introducing you to your stunning cheekbones!

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Before and After Photos

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More About Buccal Fat Removal

The purpose of the buccal fat pad is not well understood, but it is believed to help with sucking and chewing, to protect the nerves and blood vessels, to keep the chewing muscles separate from each other, and improve the looks of the face. ^[1] However, as beauty standards shift, patients are finding they want a more refined and sculpted appearance, leading to an increase in interest in buccal fat pad removal. 

Removal of the BFP can help to reduce fullness in the cheek area, create a slimmer and more defined midface, often associated with the contours of the gorgeous elite. When people want to change the shape of their midface, it is usually the buccal extension and main body of the buccal fat pad that is removed. The size of the buccal fat pad is constant in both men and women, regardless of weight changes or differences in BMI. Even with extreme weight loss  and a reduction of subcutaneous fat, the buccal fat pad (located beneath the muscle) remains, seemingly due to its different breakdown rate compared to subcutaneous fat. ^[2]

What are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

Patients choose to have buccal fat removed for various reasons. Some common reasons include the following:

Enhance Cheekbones with Buccal Fat Removal

People with full cheeks often feel they lack defined cheekbones and choose to remove buccal fat to enhance their appearance and create more defined cheekbones.

Create a Slimmer Face with Buccal Fat Removal 

Buccal fat pads can make a face look full and rounded, especially as people age. Removing these fat pads can create a slimmer, more youthful face.

Correct Asymmetry with Buccal Fat Removal

In some cases, one cheek may appear more full than the other due to the presence of more buccal fat. Removing the excess fat can help to correct this asymmetry and create a more balanced and harmonious appearance.

Improve Self-Confidence with Buccal Fat Removal 

For some patients, their appearance can greatly impact their self-esteem and confidence. Buccal fat removal can help improve how they feel about themselves.

Buccal Fat Removal is Permanent

The fat removed will not grow back; this means that the procedure’s benefits are long-lasting and have a cost-saving benefit since you will not need maintenance treatments.

If you have a big event upcoming, like your wedding, you may want to plan ahead. Those photos will last a lifetime, and you want to look your best!

Candidates

Adults who have a full midface and are seeking refinement, sculpting, or improvement of their facial bones, as well as a reduction of fullness in their face, may be suitable candidates for buccal fat removal. This procedure is also carried out in patients who have been diagnosed with a lower-cheek mass caused by the displacement of the buccal fat pad.

Facial feminization surgery is a group of cosmetic procedures designed to help transgender women who are assigned male at birth to achieve a more feminine appearance. One of the components of facial feminization can be the removal of the buccal fat pad.

Buccal fat removal may not be the best option for everyone. Here are some scenarios where it may not be recommended:

Contact our office to schedule your consultation appointment so Dr. Arslanian can determine if you are a good fit for this procedure.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Arslanian will take the time to listen to your goals and concerns and provide a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. He will want to understand what brings you to see him for Buccal Fat Removal and if you are healthy enough for the procedure. He will explain the procedure and the recovery in detail and answer any questions.

Dr. Arslanian will examine the cheek area and see if extra fat exists. To check, he will ask you to open your mouth and gently press the cheek to see if it feels full. If it does, that might mean the extra fullness comes from the buccal fat pad. It doesn’t really matter if it’s too much fat, if it’s displaced due to age, or if it’s just bulging a little; what’s important is for Dr. Arslanian to conclude that removing some fat can help improve the way the cheek looks.

Call our scheduling coordinator at (678) 894-9200 for an appointment in Brookhaven, GA today! 

Preparation Steps

Before the procedure, you will have a few guidelines provided by Dr. Arslanian’s team. Following the preparatory steps will ensure you have a smooth and comfortable procedure.

If you have concerns or questions leading up to the day of your surgery, call our team at (678) 894-9200 and we will set your mind at ease.

Your Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

To remove the buccal fat pad, Dr. Arslanian will first numb the area with a special solution that reduces pain and stops bleeding. Through the mouth, he will make a small cut inside the cheek and use scissors to pierce the fascia (a layer of tissue). He will use a long tool to spread the fat and carefully remove the portion of the fat pad causing fullness in the cheek. The wound is then packed with gauze to keep it clean and closed with a special stitch that dissolves on its own.

If the patient is receiving any other treatments or procedures they will follow the buccal fat pad removal.

Recovery After Your Procedure

After a buccal fat removal procedure, the patient may experience swelling in the face. However, this is normal and usually subsides within 2 to 3 weeks. The tissues inside the mouth usually take 7 to 10 days to recover after the procedure, so the patient may need to eat soft or liquid foods for a few days. A special mouth rinse is sometimes recommended to help prevent infection and should be used as directed.

In some cases, the patient may be given medication to aid in the healing process or reduce the risk of infection. It’s important to take any medication as prescribed and to inform Dr. Arslanian if any side effects or prolonged pain occurs.

The Results

Once the swelling subsides, the cheeks will appear thinner and more defined. With less fullness in the cheeks, the face will also appear youthful and refreshed. Over time, the skin will tighten around the cheek area, further enhancing the contoured look. 

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, buccal fat pad removal can also relieve pressure and discomfort for patients with displaced buccal fat pads causing lower cheek masses. Removing the fat pad in these cases will also result in a younger look.

What is the Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Brookhaven, GA?

Patients interested in learning more about buccal fat pad removal with Dr. Arslanian should book a consultation. Then, the cost, as well as any financing options, will be better understood. Trends come and go, but gorgeous cheekbones will always be in style. Schedule your appointment today! Call (678) 894-9200 or reach out online.

References

1. Yousuf S, Shane Tubbs R, Wartmann CT, Kapos T, Cohen-Gadol AA, Loukas M. A review of the gross anatomy, functions, pathology, and clinical uses of the buccal fat pad. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 2009;32(5):427-436. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-009-0596-6
2. Weniger FG, Weidman AA. The Buccal Fat Pad. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(7):e2328. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000002328
3. Longobardi G, Pellini E, Diana G, Finocchi V. Rhytidectomy Associated With Autologous Fat Transplantation in Parry-Romberg Syndrome. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2011;22(3):1031. doi:10.1097/SCS.0b013e31821016d1